**5.5. The E-Cubers library: a technical solution to a business problem**

A surprising revelation during the execution of PBWS, which spanned the full educational system and crossed both genders was that only a very small number had access to the LEGO® TECHNIC and LEGO® MINDSTORMS kits. Following the PBWS more than 90% of students claimed that they would utilize LEGO® TECHNIC or LEGO® MINDSTORMS but less than 5% had access to them. Those that had access to these products personally owned them, which is quite a privileged situation because they typically cost between €100 and €300 for the larger sets. In contrast quick review of the E-Cubers kits which have been purchased for this research reveals a utilization of less than 5% (they are just sitting on a shelf not utilized for 95% of the time). This raised the question *"How can E-Cubers make their kits more generally available?"*

**Author details**

Shane Loughlin

**References**

Address all correspondence to: shane.loughlin@ecubers.ie

E-Cubers, IDA Industrial Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo, Ireland

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Industry 3.0 to Industry 4.0: Exploring the Transition http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.80347 81

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People are generally reluctant to lend LEGO® sets because parts will get lost or broken and then the set is useless. Well that was the case in the past, but now. With the advent of digital technologies there are catalogs of the parts in every set available [39], there are methods of utilizing 3D Printing techniques to replace some parts [40] and there are websites where individual replacement parts can be ordered [39]. All that is needed is the stock-take application and a method of providing the E-Cubers Kits to the public. E-Cubers have sponsored the development of the stock-take application and in 2018 E-Cubers in conjunction with Sligo County Library will be launching *The E-Cubers Library* to make E-Cubers Kits available to library members in Sligo. All the library members must do is stock-take the E-Cubers Kit before they check it out of the library and stock-take it again before the check it back into the library. There will be 3D Printers available to print replacement parts and a facility to order some replacement parts if required. When *The E-Cubers Library* has been fully implemented and proven in Sligo E-Cubers will make it available for all the 32 counties of Ireland so that the E-Cubers Kits can be available to any library member in Ireland.

Would not that be a significant achievement and a novel technical solution to address an urgent business problem (the emerging skills shortage for Industry 4.0 Equipment). It really is an ideal practical example of DigitALIZAtion and E-Cubers practicing what they preach. It can provide the resources for *E-Cubers OEE Playgrounds* where young people can foster their creativity *"ag spraoi agus ag imirt"* as they prepare for the *E-Cubers OEE Games.*
